Ford Celebrates America’s 250th Birthday With a Wild Mustang GTD

The reimagined Ford Mustang GTD Spirit of America is a 202-mph tribute to our country.

The Ford Mustang GTD is the most extreme factory Mustang ever produced by the Ford Motor Company. And early last year a special Spirit of America edition was created to honor legendary land speed racer, Craig Breedlove. Well, in case you haven’t realized it yet, this great country of ours is celebrating its 250th anniversary. And Ford wants to mark the occasion with a new Mustang GTD Spirit of America. It is not dramatically different from the first one, but it has some subtle changes that will make it stand out. As if a Mustang GTD doesn’t already stand out.

The new Mustang GTD Spirit of America stands out with a bold, asymmetrical exterior design that reimagines classic Mustang heritage in a modern, motorsport-inspired way. Finished in Performance White, the car is accented with striking Race Red and Lightning Blue stripes that don’t follow a traditional mirrored layout. Instead, the graphics are offset, creating a dynamic sense of motion even when the car is standing still. Ford says the design is a fresh take on the iconic Mustang tri-bar motif, blending patriotism with performance aesthetics. The result is a limited-edition look that feels both historic and aggressively contemporary, reinforcing the GTD’s track-focused identity.

Ford Mustang GTD Spirit of America–Round Two

The Mustang GTD Spirit of America doesn’t just rely on its bold livery to stand out, it also showcases its underlying performance-focused engineering. The design emphasizes the car’s extensive use of carbon fiber, with key elements like the front splitter and rear wing left exposed to highlight its lightweight, race-derived construction. Even the Mustang name is integrated into the visual theme, reinforcing its identity.

Forgeline wheels complete the aggressive, track-ready stance. Despite the visual changes, the mechanical setup remains unchanged. The Performance Package comes standard, ensuring the same extreme capability as the base GTD. Inside, the driver-focused cockpit carries over, with available 3D-printed titanium accents and an ergonomic layout designed for serious performance driving.

Performance

The Mustang GTD Spirit of America’s performance is anchored by a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 that builds on Ford’s most advanced Mustang engine to date. The engine features a dry-sump oil system, designed to maintain consistent lubrication during sustained, high-load cornering on track. This system also allows the engine to safely rev to a redline of 7,650 rpm. The GTD engine also features several upgrades over the 5.2L V8 Ford used in the GT500 including revised intake and exhaust systems, a standard titanium exhaust, and a smaller supercharger pulley.

Beyond straight-line speed capable of reaching 202 mph, the GTD also features a Drag Reduction System. This technology adjusts the rear wing angle and activates front flaps to balance downforce and drag depending on driving conditions. This all remains intact for the latest Spirit of America.

Tribute to America

Ford is joining other American automakers in embracing patriotic design themes to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. For Ford, it’s also a chance to showcase its Mustang lineup through bold, attention-grabbing visual statements tied to a historic moment.

Photos: Ford

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Joe Kucinski

Joe has been obsessed with cars since he got his very first Matchbox toy in the 1970s. In 2003, he found a new obsession in track days that led to obtaining his SCCA competition license in 2015. In 2019, he became a certified driving instructor for the National Auto Sport Association. His love for all things four wheels has never wavered, whether it's driving some of the best cars in the world on the racetrack, tackling 2,000-mile road trips in 2-seat sports cars or being winched off the side of a mountaintop in a Jeep. Writing for the suite of Internet Brands Auto Communities sites, including Rennlist.com, Ford Truck Enthusiasts, 6 Speed and more allows him to share that knowledge and passion with others.